ICYMI: My TransLink is a rider-focused series where we want you to share your transit photographs from across the system on social media and in turn, we share your amazing pics right here on the Buzzer blog. Basically, this is all about you!

Ivan Chan is a self employed photographer and videographer who often works in real estate photography. He’s also a transit fan who recently took some awesome photographs of the newly opened Evergreen Extension!

In these photos, Ivan focuses on architecture, depicting the form and function incorporated in the beauty of these brand new SkyTrain stations.

Ivan agreed to a little one-on-one so we could learn a little more about this transit shutterbug.

What made you get interested in taking photographs?

To me, I feel taking photos conveys a story or message in itself, which is why people tend to say photos are worth a thousand words. Photos are a way of conveying meanings and memories in time. In the future, when I look back at an older photo, it reminds me of this event or that feeling.

What kind of images do you like to capture?

I like to take photos of random things like signage, buildings, interior and exterior architectural design, transportation related shots, scenery and landscape.

What made you document the new Evergreen Extension and its stations?

Being focused on real estate photography and my interest in transportation projects, I decided to bring this concept and photo taking technique and showcasing architectural features of the new Evergreen Line stations.

What’s your favourite part of the Evergreen Extension?

My favourite part is the stunning view of the landscape and scenery from Burquitlam Station and the view from the line running between Burquitlam Station and Lougheed Town Centre Station. One can look far away into the Metrotown direction, New Westminster city area and the SFU area.

How do you hope people will react to your transit photos?

In a way, I hope to educate the public and first time transit users, including tourists, on how transit stations look like, how to navigate or use the photos as a wayfinding tool around the stations and what to expect of in terms of layout so they are better prepared in their own route planning.

Are you a transit fan?

Ironically, although I drive most of the time, I am still a transit fan. I am inspired by the technology that runs behind the Skytrain system and I like using train systems. When I went to school many years ago at UBC, taking the bus was my favourite thing! My favourite mode of transit transportation would be the rapid rail transit/SkyTrain because it is dedicated and separated from traffic. There will never be slow downs or congestion to deal with and fewer stops making the ride much, much less stressful and more efficient, fast and reliable.